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~CHAPTER ONE: JULIA~
I knew something was wrong the moment he said to meet him at our special place. My heart hasn’t stopped twisting since I received his text a half hour ago. It’s not uncommon for us to meet like this but his message was abrupt, said we needed to talk.
Please, God, whatever he’s going to tell me, please don’t let it be bad.
Reaching the beach, I slip off my sandals and start across the cool sand to where I can see a fire being started in the distance. I lift my long, white maxi dress as I walk along the shore, wetting my feet. Each step brings me closer to the man I’m secretly in love with, my best friend Jaxson.
We met when I moved here to Sunset Bay, South Carolina, just a little over two years ago. My mother had just passed away from cancer and I came to live with my grams. It still amazes me how fast I fell in love with this town, and how quickly I made some of the best friends I’ll ever have.
A smile touches my lips as I recall the first time I laid eyes on Jaxson. My best friend, Kayla and I, had been sitting outside the ice cream shop, on a sweltering hot summer afternoon, when he came riding in on his motorcycle…
“Well, it looks like today is your lucky day, you’re finally going to get to see the famous Jaxson Reid.” Kayla’s voice fades away as I watch him park across the lot, becoming captivated by the mysterious bad boy I’ve heard so much about.
He’s dressed in loose, dark, faded jeans that have a few holes in them, and a snug black T-shirt that molds to his lean, muscular frame in all the right places. My eyes draw to the erotic display of tribal tattoos that are woven up his arms, getting cut off by the sleeves of his T-shirt. He takes his helmet off, and all the air sucks out of my lungs, my entire world tilting on its axis. Thick, dark lashes frame magnificent ice-blue eyes, his olive-colored complexion complemented by shaggy, dark brown hair. It’s the kind of hair that makes my fingers itch to run through it, just to see if it feels as soft as it looks. His strong jaw is graced with a sexy five o’clock shadow.
I’d heard a lot about Jaxson since moving here, all the girls spoke about him as if he was some sort of god, and now I know why.
He unleashes a sexy smirk on me, and I soon realize that I’ve been busted openly ogling him. Heat invades my cheeks as I look away, only to receive the same knowing smile from Kayla.
“I know, right? If sex could walk, he would be it. Don’t feel bad; you’re not the only one who drools around him. Most do, well, except for me. As sexy as he is, I have the major hots for his friend Cooper. I have big plans for that boy, just you wait.”
She goes on to tell me that Jaxson is two years older than my sixteen and that he just graduated before the summer. I’m disappointed to learn that I won’t see him around school.
“He did live with Cooper’s family for a while, but now they have an apartment of their own,” she explains.
“What about his parents?”
“His mom left when he was a kid, his dad a few years ago. I don’t know where; he was a real asshole—the town drunk.”
That information explained a lot later on. Little had I realized at the time, but Kayla really did have a plan laid out for her and Cooper. A year later, and they’re still dating.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet Jaxson that day, he was there meeting Melissa Carmichael. My blood heats just thinking her name. She’s always been such a bitch to me, especially after I became close with Jaxson. I hate to even think about what they did together after they left the ice cream shop that day. Although, that’s been the story of my life for the last two years – watching Jaxson with random girls. He’s not the relationship type, or so he says. I have a sneaking suspicion his mom leaving has something to do with that.
The night I finally did get to meet him, well… it was the scariest night of my life.
It was two weeks after seeing him at the ice cream shop. I had snuck out of my bedroom window after Grams went to sleep and walked to the cemetery to visit my mom. I had sat at her grave and talked to her. It was something I always found comforting and still do. I told her how scared I was to be starting a new school, worried people weren’t going to like me, and more than anything, I told her how much I missed her. My mother was my best friend. The pain I felt when she passed hadn’t faded, and I’d wondered if it ever would. I don’t remember how long I’d been crying for before I heard some rustling and laughter…
I turn around to find two guys stumbling up behind me. They’re big, their builds reminding me of linebackers. By looking at them, I guess they’re a couple of years older than me. They smile as they approach; smiles that have terror skittering down my spine. I stand up quickly, my shaky legs barely able to hold me up.
“Well aren’t you pretty. Isn’t she, Jace?”
Suddenly feeling exposed in my yoga tank and shorts, I fold my cardigan over my breasts that they are openly staring at; the action only seems to amuse them.
“Yeah, she’s really pretty, I’m glad we happened upon her.”
Ignoring them, I start forward, but the one referred to as Jace steps out in front of me, blocking my escape. I attempt to calm my wild heartbeat while figuring out how to get out of this mess I’ve found myself in. I know I won’t be able to outrun them, but my hope is to at least make it to the street and pray someone hears me scream for help.
Unfortunately, it’s exactly what they anticipate. I don’t make it far before one grabs a fistful of my hair and yanks me back against him. His hand clamps over my mouth with brutal force, muffling my screams.
“You stupid bitch. Shut the fuck up!”
With every bit of strength I possess, I fight against him, kicking and shifting, trying to break the hold he has on me, but none of it makes a difference; he’s too strong.
He drags me back to my mom’s grave while his friend Jace watches, his hand stroking over the front of his jeans.
My eyes close in disgust as bile inches up my throat.
“Come on, fucking help me, man! This bitch is squirmy.”
Jace snaps to attention and grabs my kicking legs to help carry me. They drop me on my mother’s grave, the hard impact knocking the breath from my lungs. The one behind me pins my struggling arms above my head while Jace sits on my legs, restraining them. His hand wraps around my throat as he leans in close, a malicious smile curling his lips. “I’m going to fuck you right here on your mother’s grave, you little bitch.”
It’s now, I realize they must have been watching me for some time to know this is my mother’s grave. For the first time since they showed up I feel something other than fear. Anger swells inside of me, bubbling over, and I spit in his face.
It’s my first mistake.
Fury washes over his expression, his fingers tightening on my throat. “You’re a brave little whore.” He rears back and slaps me, the impact is so hard that blood pools in my mouth and black spots dance before my eyes. “After I’m done fucking you, my buddy is going to get a turn, then we’re going to beat some manners into you.”
He tears at my tank top, ripping the strap from my shoulder.
“No! Please don’t do this,” I beg, but quiet quickly when I realize my pleas only excite him further.
As his hand moves to his belt, I close my eyes and begin to pray. It’s the first time I’ve prayed since my mom died. I am praying so hard that I don’t realize my legs are suddenly free. Soon though, I clue in to the sound of shouting and painful grunts.
My eyes spring open and I see Jace on the ground with another guy on top of him, beating the ever-livin’ crap out of him.
The guy holding my arms eventually releases me to help his friend.
“Watch out!” I scream, warning the mystery guy.
He turns around just in time to land a solid right hook, causing my attacker to hit the ground unconscious.
This guy packs a serious punch.
As he rises to his full height and turns toward me, I realize the dark avenging angel is none other than the town’s bad boy, Jaxson Reid.
Rage twists his expression as he starts toward me.
I cower against my mother’s headstone, fear gripping me for a second time. He’s so fierce, it frightens me.
When he senses my alarm, he slows his steps and approaches me with more caution, lifting his hands in the air. “I’m not going to hurt you. Everything is going to be okay. I’m calling the police now.”
After calling it in, he sits a short distance away and waits with me. Awkward silence fills the air around us. I want to thank him, but I can’t form words, my teeth are chattering like crazy, my body shaking.
He catches me off guard when he leans over and gently brushes his fingers across my bruised cheek. “Sorry I didn’t make it before this happened,” he says quietly.
His tenderness surprises me. I’ve been told Jaxson was dangerous, and someone you don’t want to screw with. After witnessing what he did to my two attackers, I can see why.
“Don’t be sorry. Thank you for coming when you did, because if you hadn’t, well… you know what was about to happen.”
The horrific event comes rushing back with a vengeance. I wrap my arms around my legs, hugging my knees to my chest and begin sobbing.
He moves a little closer to me and awkwardly pats my shoulder. “Everything is fine now.”
I can tell he’s uncomfortable trying to console me and doesn’t know what to say.
“Listen, I know now is not the time to be a dick, but what the hell were you thinking coming to a graveyard this late at night by yourself?”
His disapproving tone has my back going up. “I was visiting my mother. I didn’t think coming here would almost get me raped,” I snap, then feel bad, especially after everything he’s done for me. “I’m sorry, you’re right, it was stupid. I won’t be doing it again, at least not in the middle of the night.”
“I don’t recognize those assholes. I’m assuming they were driving through, maybe back to Charleston.” He shrugs. “Either way, probably a good idea if you come during daylight.”
“I will,” I say quietly.
He extends his battered hand to me. “I’m Jaxson Reid.”
I put my shaking one in his. “Julia. Julia Sinclair.”
Pulling myself back to the present, I try to shake the memory. What had started out to be one of the most awful nights of my life turned into one of the best. Because the sexy, dark, and mysterious bad boy I was warned to steer clear of became my best friend. Since that night, Jaxson has taken care of me – protected me. He brought me back from the brink of pain and heartbreak after losing my mother. He reminded me what it was like to be happy again.
People have a misperception about him, mainly due to the reputation of his father. Grams once told me his father was a terrible man and Jaxson was better off without him. That’s all she had said but I didn’t need her to elaborate, because I can tell just how deeply his father had hurt him. At times when his guard slips for a brief moment, I can see flashes of it, and he doesn’t realize anyone is looking. I know any physical scars he bears are nothing compared to the ones left on his heart.
Don’t get me wrong, Jaxson has earned some of his reputation. He can be arrogant, aggressive, and angry. He’s guarded and damaged yet he’s also beautiful, strong, and honorable. Our friendship surprises a lot of people because, other than Cooper, he has never befriended anyone else, and he definitely doesn’t have any friends that are girls. But Jaxson and I formed a bond, one so strong, it is unbreakable. I unconditionally and irrevocably love every damaged part of him. And for the boy who doesn’t believe in love, he will always and forever have mine.
My steps slow as I come up to him sitting by the fire; he stares into the bright flames, lost in thought. I watch him for a moment, his troubled expression glowing from the firelight.
When he hears my approach, his eyes lift to mine and his expression softens; he looks almost relieved to see me. Sometimes when he looks at me the way he is now, I think maybe he does love me the way I love him. But whenever I let the silly thought in, I shove it away and remember whom I’m talking about.
Flashing me a sexy smirk, he stands and walks over, pulling me into his arms. “Hey, Jules.” He greets me with a familiar kiss to my forehead.
For whatever reason, he has kissed my forehead from the moment we became friends. It’s something that he’s reserved just for me, and I savor the intimate contact with him.
“Hey, Jax.” I hug him back tightly, breathing in his comforting scent.
He breaks the connection much too soon, his hand grasping mine as he leads me to sit next to the fire. We rest back against the log behind us; both of my arms wrapping around one of his as I lean into him, seeking his warmth.
The tense silence filling the air has lead settling in my stomach and my earlier fear comes rushing back swiftly. “You’re going to tell me something bad, aren’t you?”
His somber expression says it all. “It’ll be all right. It’s not that bad.” He pauses, expelling a heavy breath. “I’m leaving town. I’ve decided to enlist in the Navy. I want to be a SEAL.”
My heart plummets, a million questions plaguing me at once. “Okay, and what does that mean exactly? Where would you go? Don’t you have to qualify first, before you can even be accepted?”
“I already have been,” he admits quietly. “I had to do some written exams and evaluations, but I passed. I’m going to their training facility in Coronado, California.”
“What? Just how long have you thought about this?”
He clears his throat. “I started the process about six months ago.”
“Six months?” I shriek, rearing back. “How could you keep this from me?” Betrayal thickens my throat, a sharp pain infiltrating my chest.
He blows out a breath, his eyes turning to me, pleading with me to understand. “I’m sorry, Jules. I didn’t want to upset you if I wasn’t going to make it,” he apologizes, his words heavy with regret. “Please understand. I need to do this. I need to get out of this fucking town; I don’t belong here. The only thing that kept me here as long as it has is you.”
“How can you say that? This is your home, Jaxson. You grew up here.”
“That’s exactly my point. Everyone knows my shit. They know what I come from. Don’t tell me you don’t see how many people look down on me, especially when we’re together. Everyone wonders why sweet little Margaret Sinclair’s granddaughter is friends with a fuck-up like me.”
I shake my head. “No you’re wrong and even if you aren’t, who cares what they think? Don’t leave because you think you need to prove yourself.”
“This has nothing to do with them. I don’t give a shit what they think of me; I’m doing this for myself. I think I’ve found something that I’m going to be really good at. I did so well on the evaluation that the superior officers are excited to meet me.”
“You’re good at a lot of things. Can’t you choose something else? Something that isn’t so dangerous? How about being a mechanic? Or owning your own motorcycle shop? You would be really good at that, and that would be fun,” I say, trying to sound upbeat.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t take the bait. His eyes are lit with amusement as he stares down at me.
“It was worth a try,” I grumble.
Chuckling, he slings his arm around my shoulders but sobers quickly, his blue irises holding mine. “I have a chance to do something good with my life. Tell me you understand.”
“I’m trying, it’s just hard. I don’t want to lose you.” My voice cracks as I struggle to hold onto my composure.
He rests his forehead against mine, his jaw flexing as he holds in his own emotions. “You won’t lose me, Jules, we’ll still see each other. Obviously not as much as we do now, but we’ll figure something out.”
“When do you leave?” I ask.
He straightens nervously, sending another dose of panic through me.
“Jaxson?”
“Saturday morning. I take the ferry to Bradsford then fly out from there.”
“This Saturday? As in three days from now?” I screech.
“I’m sorry. I just found out yesterday. They don’t give you much time.”
I shake my head, having a hard time grasping that any of this is happening right now. How am I supposed to go every day without seeing him?
His hand caresses my cheek, the touch pulling me from my torment. “Are we okay?” he asks.
We are okay, I am not. But I don’t tell him that. Instead, I cover his hand with mine, and nod because my throat is too tight to speak.
“Listen, I have a lot to get done before I leave, but how about we go out on Friday? We’ll grab supper then come hang out here for the night.”
“Sure, that sounds good,” I agree, wanting any time I can get. “Anyway, I better head home. I’m later than what I told Grams I would be, and I don’t want her to worry.”
And I really don’t want to completely lose it in front of you.
“All right, come on, I’ll walk you to your car.”
I falter, knowing he’s not going to like what he’s about to hear. “Um, I didn’t drive here, I walked.”
His eyes narrow in disapproval. “Damn it, Julia. You know better.”
“Relax. It’s a beautiful night and I want the fresh air.”
“You know the rules. No walking at night by yourself.” Letting out a frustrated breath, he drives a hand through his hair. “Come on, I’ll take you home.”
“I don’t have my helmet and I’m wearing a dress,” I argue, but know it’s pointless.
“I don’t care. Either I drive you back or I follow you home, it’s up to you.”
My eyes roll at his bossy attitude but I relent and follow him to his bike.
He puts his black helmet on over my head, making sure the strap is tight then straddles the seat. When I don’t follow suit, he tosses me an impatient look.
Geez, he can be grumpy.
I hike my dress up just enough to climb on behind him, my arms wrapping around his waist. My irritation quickly vanishes, peace invading my soul. One of my favorite things to do is ride with Jaxson. I love getting to be so close to him.
The bike roars to life, a second before it kicks forward, starting our short journey home.
I turn my face to the side, resting my cheek against his hard back and try really hard not to think about the fact that he’s leaving me in just three days.
Three days.
Does Kayla know? I’m sure Coop does, but I would like to think that if Kayla knew she would have told me.
I don’t get much time to think about it before we arrive at my house. Once Jaxson comes to a stop, I climb off the back, missing his warmth. I hand him back his helmet without making eye contact and flick him a quick wave, needing to get out of here. My fragile composure is close to shattering.
However, I don’t get the opportunity, because as soon as I take that first step he grabs my wrist and yanks me against him, enveloping me in his arms. “It’s going to be okay, Jules,” he whispers into my hair. “I promise.”
The tears I’ve managed to hold at bay finally unleash. “I’m going to miss you so much,” I cry, burying my face into his neck.
“I’m going to miss you too, Jules.” He holds me close, his large hand rubbing comforting circles on my back. Once my tears subside, he curls a finger under my chin, lifting my face to his. “I’ll pick you up at six on Friday, okay?”
I offer him a small smile and nod. When he releases me, I walk into the house and decide that I can’t let him leave without telling him how much I love him. Even if the consequences could potentially be damaging.
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